TNS boss Harrison targets his 'best achievement'

Craig Harrison hopes to see TNS become the first Welsh side from the domestic leagues to reach the group stages in a European competition

The New Saints manager Craig Harrison says qualifying for the group stages of the Europa Conference League would be his best achievement in football.

Cymru Premier champions Saints can become be the first domestic Welsh club to feature in the group stages of a European competition.

They go into Thursday’s play-off second leg against Lithuanian side FK Panevėžys 3-0 up from last week's away leg.

“It would be by far the best achievement as a manager – probably as a player as well,” Harrison told BBC Sport Wales.

“All those years back I got promoted to the Premier League from the Championship with Middlesbrough in a really good team and played in the Premier League.

“But I think overall being involved in qualifying for a European competition group stage is a fantastic achievement for everybody.”

Harrison, who played for Boro and Crystal Palace before injury cut short his career, has won eight Welsh titles in his two spells as manager of Saints.

But Harrison and club chairman Mike Harris’ ambition has been to become the first Welsh club to reach the groups stages of an European competition.

Saints began their European campaign in the Champions League qualifiers and although they beat FK Decic of Montenegro in the first qualifying round, were knocked out by Hungary’s Ferencvaros.

A narrow 1-0 aggregate loss to Molodvan champions Petrocub in the Europa League saw them drop into the Europa Conference League play-offs.

Saints took control of their Europa Conference League play-off against FK Panevėžys as goals from Danny Davies, Dan Williams and Ben Clark saw them win the first leg 3-0.

“We won’t take anything for granted,” Harrison said ahead of the second leg at Park Hall.

“It’s only half-time and we want to go and win the game at home as well as going through in the tie.

“But we know we have to be at our best for that.

“You don’t want to get carried away with yourself. We all know as well as anyone that football has got a habit of biting you on the backside if you don’t do things right.”

Harrison said securing a place in the group stages would not only be a big achievement for Saints, but also Welsh domestic football.

Wales had four representatives in Uefa competitions this season but will lose a European spot for next season, with Harrison hoping his side’s performances will help in gaining co-efficiency points for the future.

“It’s a great opportunity to get a chance to make some history and go and play in the group stages of a European competition,” Harrison added.

“Not only for TNS, but for Welsh football, I think it’s a huge step.

“If we can get ourselves over the line, that puts us in a fantastic position to get the fourth place back.”